I
have cleared PLAB 1. Please help me regarding prospects in
UK. The picture in my mind is that it is very difficult for
an overseas doctor to find an entry into UK's medical
system. As told by a few of my seniors - to find a training
post (post-graduation) or even a job now is next to
impossible. Please let me know of the real picture. Also, is
it advisable to come with some job experience in hand
(Junior Resident etc.). Will such kind of experience help
much or can the same time can be utilized in doing a
clinical attachment in UK.

It is
tough, long term future is grim, until you get lucky. You
can get the first job in 1 day to many years, be prepared
for 8 months to one year. JR experience helps you deal with
working here better. Lines for attachments are long. Go to
all hospital websites individually and fine contact address
for consultants. Fax/mail them your CV from India itself. As
this process is long, you will be ahead in the game by
applying from India early. Weigh risks vs. benefits;
research - internet, phone and personal networking are your
best friends.

Sanjeev

Well
Sanjeev has already said a lot to give you some idea of what
the scene here in UK is. It's your personal view of your
life and future which should guide your decisions. We being
in the system can only give our point of view as we see it.

The medical
training system in UK is undergoing a major transformation
at the moment with the modernizing medical careers (MMC)
programme. You can find more information about this on the
website
www.mmc.nhs.uk. It has information for overseas doctors
as well. It is not exactly clear yet how this is going to
affect overseas doctors; already the job situation is not
very good and almost 35% doctors could not get jobs this
August.

But I will
not like to put you off completely, you have to take risks
at times and I know people do manage to get jobs although
the wait is longer. I also know some people who have gone
back for not being able to get jobs. It depends on your
personal resources, financial and psychological how much you
can endure and hold on, some people have more and some have
less.

Getting
attachment from India itself is a good option, try searching
on internet to find contacts of as many consultants as you
can and send your CV to them; getting an attachment even is
very competitive. This website may help
www.nhs.uk
to find names and addresses of some consultants.

If you are
prepared to take these risks give it a try and finally as I
said consider your plans for your future and your options
and decide what is best for you rather than us telling you
to come over or stay back.